Tuition Scholarships for American Students of Polish Descent from The Kosciuszko Foundation

Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships support American students of Polish descent for graduate studies at colleges and universities in the United States.  Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 are awarded on a competitive basis for one academic year. Funding is for full-time studies during academic year September 2017 - May 2018.  

All fields and majors are eligible for scholarship funding.  

In addition, dedicated funding is available to:

• law and engineering students at DePaul University and non-public colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; 
• residents of New Jersey, first preference for studies in nursing, teaching and business;
• residents of NY state for studies in medicine;
• residents of Amsterdam, NY; 
• residents of Chicopee, MA; 
• residents of New Hampshire;
• residents of Connecticut, first preference for residents of Fairfield and New Haven counties;
• students who evidence leadership, excellent written and verbal communication skills and participation in school and/or community activities;
• students majoring in journalism; 
• students majoring in physical-chemical, biological, technical and natural sciences;
• student majoring in dentistry; 
• students majoring in the following fields: applied sciences; medicine; music; humanities; social sciences; architecture; engineering; medical research; education; piano performance;  violin performance; orchestral studies; law; art; fine arts;  pharmacy; chemistry; accounting; business administration; banking; finance; Polish studies.

ELIGIBILITY

United States citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) of Polish descent who are beginning or continuing their graduate studies and who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are awarded for full-time studies only. Only one member per immediate family may receive a tuition scholarship during any given academic year. Applicants may re-apply, however, scholarship renewals are not guaranteed.  Awards are limited to only two tuition scholarships per individual during the period of his/her studies.   

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on application completeness, recommendations, academic excellence and achievements, interests and motivation, the applicant's essay, interest in Polish subjects or involvement in the Polish American community. Financial need is taken into consideration.

Application Procedure

A complete application includes the following materials:

• A - Scholarship Application and Financial Information Form;
• B - Statement of Purpose/essay;
• C - Official Transcripts;
• D - Two Letters of Reference;
• E - Letter of Admission;
• F - Proof of Polish Ancestry;
• G - Passport-size photo;
• H - $35 non-refundable application fee and Checklist.

Notes:

• A -  Before applying on-line, preview the application form at the link found above.  Apply only at the on-line form at the "Click Here to Apply" button found below. Complete the Financial Information Form, save it as "TU18-Last name-First name-FIF" and e-mail it to Addy@thekf.org;
• B - In the statement of purpose/essay discuss your major and your academic and career goals. Your statement of purpose will be three pages, double spaced.  Include your full name and page numbers on the upper right hand corner of each page of your statement. Save your file and upload it to the on-line application form.
• C - Submit official transcripts for the last three full years of academic work through the most recent Summer semester.   Submit official transcripts via USPS.  
• D - Request letters of academic reference from two recent professors / teachers.  Recommendations must be written on university letterhead and may be sent by professors directly to the Kosciuszko Foundation via USPS or via e-mail to Addy@thekf.org  
• E - Students entering graduate school or beginning doctoral studies in  September 2017 must submit a copy of the letter of acceptance to graduate school/doctoral program.  Letters may be submitted via US PS or via e-mail to Addy@thekf.org.  Admission letters are accepted through the scholarship notification date.
• F - Submit proof of Polish ancestry.  Use documents such as birth certificates, passports, naturalization papers and other official documents to show your lineage to the ancestor who was born in Poland.  Highlight relevant names in supporting documents and arrange in chronological order.  If documentation is not available, a letter from a prominent member of the community verifying your Polish ancestry will be accepted. Letters from relatives are not official documents and will not be accepted. Save all documents to one file and upload to the application form. 
• G - Submit a photo of yourself which is suitable for publication in the Kosciuszko Foundation's Newsletter.  Save and upload your electronic photo to the on-line application form.   

• H - Submit the $35 non-refundable application fee together with the Checklist to the KF via USPS.  Please make your check or money order payable to the Kosciuszko Foundation. 

Notes for Re-applicants:

• Students who are applying for scholarship renewal must update all materials since their last application submission.  This includes an updated statement of purpose; official transcripts for the interim period through the most recent Summer semester (do not submit current Fall grades unless requested); two updated letters of reference; complete the on-line tuition scholarship application; and submit an updated financial information form.  
• Submit Checklist and a $35 non-refundable application fee;  
• Renewal of scholarships are not guaranteed; candidates who are reapplying for funding are considered together with the new pool of applicants. 

Notes for all applicants:

• The KF cannot confirm receipt of materials by phone.
• Do not staple check/money order to Checklist.

Send hard copy documents to:

Documents accepted via USPS include: 

Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, University Admission letters, Financial Information Form, $35 application fee and checklist.  

Documents accepted via e-mail include: 

Recommendation letters - please save as "TU18-Candidates Last name- First name-rec-Profs Last name;

University Admission letters - please save as "TU18-Last name-First name-admission-name of university;

Financial Information Form - please save as "TU18-Last name-First name-FIF. 

Deadline for application and supporting materials: January 17 

Changes in subject area which are made following scholarship notification must be communicated to the Kosciuszko Foundation Grants Department and may result in re-consideration or cancellation of the scholarship award

http://www.thekf.org